Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Hogmanay is filled with reflectionwith nostalgic delights and longingswith friends old and newgiving thanksnoticing growthand acknowledging lossall with one common theme- hope for the future.Causing me to ponderthe privileged life I inhabitwhere all of my friendsand contactsnear and farcan enter a new yearbuoyed up with optimismhowever fragileand with the confidencethat the futureis, in some measure,in our handsand within our sphereof influence.In that realisationcomes awarenessthat this is notthe experienceof so manyin our worldin our nationand in our neighbourhood.May our hopeand our powerand our privilegebring responsibilityto broker changeto share the loveand to create opportunityfor all thosewho enter a new yearwith dreador with the expectationthat nothing goodcan come their way.Blessings sharedare blessings multiplied.May we light a beacon of hopefor others along the way.

Saturday, 28 December 2013

Matthew 2:16-18The Massacre of the Infants When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah,wailing and loud lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children;she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

Survivor's GuiltWarned in a dreamto escape the wrath of a king who saw his evil tyranny endangeredhis fragile tenure of power threatenedGods son was bundled upand smuggled to safety.But as he grewsurely he and his familymust have encounteredother familieswhose homes held a spacethat could never be filledwhose hearts nursed a woundthat could never be healed. Mothers glancing enviouslyperhaps even resentfullyat a family complete,not torn asunderas was theirs.Was that another sorrowfor the mother of God to bear?The knowledge that the child she carriedand delivered into a hostile worldwas the cause of searing lossfor others.And did he learn, as a child,that his infant bodyshould have been dashed on a rock?And when he, too,child of his mother's wombendured the agony of a crossdid those families feel avenged?Or did they knowthat justice can never reignwhile humans seek powerand while love is barteredand sold for a pittance?That the incomprehensiblewrongs of this worldcan only be healedby a divine lovebeyond our imaginingSnatched from a mangerand hung on a cross.

Thursday, 26 December 2013

Children’s voices plaguing adults to come and see before it is even light.Bleary eyes and befuddled heads trying to keep track of gifts.Piles of crumpled wrapping paper ready for recycling.Mere hints of the chaos into which God birthed new hope for the world.We praise you, O God, that into a dark worldyou birthed glorious light.We praise youthat you did not delayuntil conditions were favourable.But chose to enter a messy world not to bring orderbut rather to bring love.We praise youthat still we find youin all our mess and chaos,bringing the promise of light and hope, fulfilled in the birth of a child.

Wednesday, 25 December 2013

We’ve prepared food, unwrapped presents,pulled some crackers, checked out the TV schedule. Our day is planned,busy or quiet,and now we come to worship, to slot in the Jesus bit.Then we can get back to our fire sides and get on with our celebrations.So accept this our worship, O God,and make us feel good that we’re here— for you know what a busy time this is.Confront us, if you must,with the reality of our privilegeand of our riches,but let us put off until at least tomorrow our desire to share what we havewith the hungry and the homelessand the grieving and the lonely.Because today,we want it to be simply about you.

Pause

We simply can’t avoid it, can we? Not even for a day.Still on Christmas Day we find you in the hungry and the homeless and the grieving and the lonely. Still giving yourselfand calling us to be giving too. Make us midwives today, birthing your love in the world. Amen.

Tuesday, 24 December 2013

Tonight, we will not find you, God,in high and lofty places,not even in the heavenly choir of angels, but instead in the straw of a manger, kept warm by the breath of cattle,lulled to sleep by the bleating of lambs.We will not find youin the tinsel and stars adorning our trees, but in the torn and discarded wrappings that litter our streets,sleeping in doorways,covered over by cardboard.For you came not for thehigh and the mighty,but for the poor and the lowly.May we stoop downand look you in the eye,take your hand and raise you upand walk beside you through our world, attuned to what you seeand how you love,alert to serve youin those we meet along the way.Vulnerable God,be born in our hearts this Christmas, so that we too can reach outwith vulnerabilityto serve our world with love.Amen.

With mobile phone in handand contacts list at the readyto share the good newsat the moment it happens— come and be part of the greatest Social Networking Revolution: updating the Facebook status, priming the Twitter Feed,the text already written: “It’s a boy!”It’s an old, old storyfreshly edited for today’s world,and you are part of the story tonight. Upload your photos of your friends gathered here,angels and shepherds for now.Then break into song—a flash mob right here—with a message to share with the world: “Peace on earth!Goodwill to all.Tidings of joy for today.A candle of hopeto light up the darkas we wait for a new Christmas Day.”

Monday, 23 December 2013

For Mary the mother of God— no shared momentswith other mums-to-be;no antenatal classes,no relaxation or breathing exercises, no gas and air or epidural,just the cold realityof pushing a fragile lifeinto a hostile worldthe way women have done through all the generations.And what of Joseph?Was he banished as men folk often are? Or were his the onlyhelping hands available?The only hands to catch the Son of God as he was evacuatedfrom the safety of the wombinto a world unprepared for his coming?And would it be any different today? Or would God’s son still be born round the back and out of the way, visible only to thosewho pause and ponderand kneel down and worship?

That rustle in the air?That's the flapping of angel's wings.They are gathering from North and Southand East and West.They are gatheringto do what angels do-Carry messagesThis message is onethat will change the worldA message that will delight and scareencourage and threaten"Unto us a child is bornwho will bringPeace on earthGoodwill to all"Today, as in the past,there are thosewho long for that messageto be fulfilled.There are thosewho fear the messagebecause it brings change.And there are thosewho in their indifferencewill not even hear the angel voices.The angels gather nonethelessbringing their messageof hope for the world.How will you hear it today?

Sunday, 22 December 2013

Mary sings her MagnificatBut where is Joseph's song?Joseph - portrayed as the quiet bystanderin so many Christmas illustrationsBut to do as he didtook courage that wasn't quietbut more like a roaring lionprotecting its cubs.To protect Maryfrom a harsh religious communitythat would have watched her stonedTo protect mother and childfrom a threatened regimethat would have them both slaughtereddemanded all the strength and wisdomand obedience and faithfulnessthat a man could possibly give.A man, used to working with woodcarving out creationsfunctional and beautiful.Gathering his toolsand crafting and shapingwith skill and patiencedaring to make that first chiselinto raw materialand ploughing on sure and determinedSuch a man was needed by Godto provide a home and a hearthfor the Christ child.Not a quiet bystanderBut a man with a love and a passionthat would not be thwartedPrepared to marry the mother of Godand father the Son of God.

Thursday, 19 December 2013

We all know that parenthoodis about preparationPreparing our chargesto stand on their own one dayNurturing and encouragingCoaching and cajolingDirecting but also leaving spacefor choice or cussednessfor growth and distinctionStanding backbut all the while readyto step in and pick up the pieces- or notif that's for the bestfor learning comes in many guisesDiscernment is trickybut there is always a plan BAnd no amount of preparationcan ever make us readyto release our chargesinto the care of others.Mary, the mother of Jesushad all this - and more - to contend withAll those human dimensionsBut also the divine complication!And no amount of warning could ever guard her heartto the life upon whichher adult son embarked.As she gazed with wonderat her newborndid she dread the lifeshe sensed would be hisor did she knowthat her sonhad a huge part to playin helping Godtake on fleshAnd convince the worldthat love is born And Mary, the one chosen to preparethe Son of Godto bring light, love,hope and peaceinto the worldthought every moment worthwhile.

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Black and whiteis never quite as it seemsAlways there are shadesblurred lineshidden depthsStories behind storiesLives behind headlinesAnd the glare of lightpicks out only a tasteof all that is hiddenbeneath the surfaceThe dangers that lurkThe life that teemsLife rushes pastwithout pauseFew stop to lookbeyond what is visibleto scrape awaythe carefully constructed facadePerhaps fearing what might be discoveredPerhaps already having concludedthat it is of little worthAnd so jewels remainburied deepconcealedunlovedunappreciatedAnd we are the poorerwho fail to seethe richesthat are alsoa part ofGod's marvellous creation.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

The angels disappear in little groupsto visit the toiletsand compare outfitsjust for a change of scene.The wise men exchanged giftswith each otherdeciding the baby wouldn't need them.The shepherds, tired of hanging around,find other uses for their crooks.And the donkey- You don't want to knowwhat the donkey got up to!Joseph wandered off some time agowhile Mary sits serenely, rocking the crib.And the twinkling stars are all twinkled out.Just another Nativity rehearsal!

Monday, 16 December 2013

In the bleak midwinterSyria's children fleeNo warmth No food No shelterNo aid while under siegeAnd on and on wars rageamidst the winter chillWhile politicians posturethe children suffer stillKing Herod slaughtered innocentsto rid his world of threatOnce more the childrenpay the pricetheir fragile lives besetwith fear and strugglenone should knowGod's kingdom not come yet.And still the Christ Child entersonce more a refugeecrouched down among the childrenin the cold and miseryand cries to God in heavenwhat difference did it maketo take on fleshand live on earthto do this for love's sake.But with the birth of God's own soncame hope and peace and loveand light to shine in darknessthat has to be enough.That baby left the mangerand grew in every waydemanding that we followand share the love today.Wherever children sufferGod's right there at the heartcalling all of usto step up and play our part.

Sunday, 15 December 2013

We built a house of dreamsand tiled its roofwith prayers and wishesdreams and longingshopes of our heartsfor the world.Those hopes and dreamsand prayers and longingsjoin the petitionsof God's peopleechoing throughthe long corridors of history.Our House of Dreamsis being transformed into a stable.Our prayers are overlaidwith the prayers of God's peoplethrough the ages.It seems an impossible burden to carry.It seems as though darkness reignsin the world todayas it did then.

But then a star appearsshining faintly at firstbecoming strongerdispelling darkness in its pathbringing light into the world rekindling hopepromising peaceproclaiming that this is the placewhere Love will be born.

Saturday, 14 December 2013

Wouldn't Jesus feel right at homein our world today?Being born into a world of darknessWhere people are made homelessbecause of warand oppressionunemploymentand benefits cutsWhere people are hungryand Food Banks multiplyWhere soldiers roam city streetsWhere families become refugeesfleeing violenceand corruptionand injusticeWhere people longfor something differentfor a miraclethat will bring lightinto all the darknessand hopeinto despairand peace where there is noneand lovethat will overcome.Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Friday, 13 December 2013

Half way through Advent,how much more prepared are weto welcome the Christ child?Is there any roomfor love to be born?Can God take on fleshin our lives?Or is it better to remaina theorykept at a safe distancefor fear of disrupting our ordered lives?To be surethere is danger in the mangerbest kept thereout of harms way.It takes more than a seasonto preparefor such upheaval.If Gods people were not readyafter centuries of prophetswhat makes us thinkthat we can possibly be prepared?

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Hotfooting it from a hospital bedsideto a coach load of excited school childrenon their way to the pantomime(Oh no I wasn't - Oh yes I was!)Singing carols sedately with seniorsthen ramping up the tempofor a Christmas jingle rockWriting funeral servicesand Nativity playsReflecting on the donkey and the angelBeing caught up in the mysteryand the romancethe sanitised version of the Incarnationand the darker reality that needs a PG certificationPlanning menusand food bank donationsBearing the griefand spreading the joyAll in a days workThe work of Advent

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

For all the distress and upheavalFor all the shunning and disgrace she incurredWhen Mary pushed her sonfrom her wombinto the waiting arms of the worldin all its darknessand needinesswas her heart heavyand her throat tightand her eyes full of unshed tears?Especially with her sense of premonitionconfirmed by wise men and womenthat this boy childwas destinedfor a traumatic life?Did she smile sweetlyand let others share her joy at his birthwhile her heart was breaking into pieces?Did she know that she would travelfrom the pain of stigmathrough the agony of labour- (make no mistakeGod did not have that covered!)Did she endure those painsonly to be confronted with the trauma of a sonwho left home earlyto be about the business of God, a son who did not return weeklywith his laundryor looking for a good feedbut who took to the roadand kept on going,because Gods business wasa business that involveditinerant livinghanging out with those labelled losersand upsetting the institutions of the dayand, ultimately,involved dying on a cross.So much more than the normal painthat assails those who mother a son.Would she have changed a single thing?Or is pain and loss simply a part of mothering?

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

God if you chose today to send your sonwhere would he be born?Would it be in the splendour of the city chambers?The sanitised crèche set up in the square?The boutique hotel on the corner?Or the board room in the penthouse suite?Where would he be born?Would it be round the back of Gregg's the bakersjust by the refuse containers?Or on the steps of the railway stationnext to the free newspaper stand?Where would he be born?And who would see him first?To whom would you proclaim the good news?And by what means?Would the Big Issue sellersannounce it to weary commuters?Or would the news peal out across the cityfrom steeple to steeple?Perhaps the night time revellers in the citywould hear the news whispered as they wind their way homeand make the detour to worship?But more than likely, today your peoplewould be too harassedand insufficiently interestedto register your birth and would simply carry on regardless.

Monday, 9 December 2013

"Loss seems so much worse at this time of year.."Folk often comment in that veinBut I wonder...?In this advent seasonwhen we long for the lightthat comes gently into the worldthe light that has never been put outIsn't this a time when losscan be accompaniedby hope and peaceand yes - even joy?The quiet way Godentered the world in lovebreathes a warmththat wraps its way aroundour hurts and longingsand reminds usthat still we can knowGod with usin all the darkness of our world today.

Sunday, 8 December 2013

Isaiah 11:6,9The wolf shall live with the lamb,the leopard shall lie down with the kid,the calf and the lion and the fatling together,and a little child shall lead them...They will not hurt or destroyon all my holy mountain;for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lordas the waters cover the sea.

This kind of kingdom just seems like an impossible dream in today's world. But this is the season of miracles. Of believing in the impossible.If we can promote the notion of Santa Claus, why can't we believe in the notion of God's peacable kingdom? Many have found their own way to make Advent hope and dreams come to fruition - there are encouraging stories of folk using the season to perform miracles of love for one another, to make dreams come true. Peace will come in the same way, when we all bring moments of peace into homes, neighbourhoods and communities.One of my favourite seasonal films is Polar Express - and these lyrics from its soundtrack:

Children, sleeping.Snow is softly falling.Dreams are calling,Like bells in the distance.We were dreamers,Not so long ago.But one by one, weAll had to grow up.

When it seems the magic slipped away...We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,Hear the melody that's playing.There's no time to waste,There so much to celebrate.Believe in what you feel inside,Give your dreams the wings to fly.You have everything you need, if you just believe.

Trains move quicklyTo their journey's end.Destinations...Are where we begin again.Ships go sailing,Far across the sea.Trusting starlight,To get where they need to be.

When it seems that we have lost our way...We find ourselves again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,Hear the melody that's playingThere's no time to waste,There so much to celebrate.Believe in what you feel inside,And give your dreams the wings to fly.You have everything you need, if you just Believe.

If you just believe.If you just believe.If you just believe...just believe...just believe.

Saturday, 7 December 2013

Donkeys, camels, shepherds,sheepWise men, inn keepers, angels, starsAll the pieces we've gathered togetherto tell the storyIt's a story that needslittle embellishmentAmazing as it isBut, somehow, we feel the needto disguise the starkness,to dress up the povertyFor the realityis too much to handleTo see the Christ child bornamong the poorand the oppressedhidden in the hovelsof todaydemands that we confront the realitythat in 2000 yearslittle has changed.Today's world needsGod with usmore than everAnd so we continuewhereverhowever we canto tell the storyof God born among us today.

Friday, 6 December 2013

How quickly we rewrite the storiesHow completely we "clean up" the memoriesIs it a case of not speaking ill of the dead?Or is it that good deeds and influencecancel out other misguided actions?Perhaps it's even forgiveness prompting forgetfulnessWhatever underlies our cleaning up of memoriesor our revision of historywe have an amazing abilityto focus on the feel-goodand gloss overall that is less comfortable.How often history is rewrittenduring Adventwhen we glamourise the starknessof a child born into a darkand menacing worldWhen we ignore how difficultthe pressures of the seasonbecome for many estranged families and isolated peopleWhen we turn a blind eye to the unreasonable demandsthat ensuring Christmas is Merryplaces on those grievingor journeying through unfamiliarand frightening landscapes.Whether it be the story of a world leaderor the story of the Incarnationneither need cleaning upFor both bear testament to Redemption - The ability of Godto confront the murkiest realitywith the power of lovebringing goodness out of evilLighting up the darkwith incredible hope.Bringing peace against all the odds.Advent is a time for revision.

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Creativity is not wroughtin well ordered surroundingsor in regimented tidinessbut in chaosand upsetand mess.God does not waituntil we have tidied the studyor cleaned up the houseready for the decorations.God comes into the midst of our upsetand disarray.And if we dare to imaginethat we can achieve the right conditionsand stop and wait expectantlyStill God will surprise us.An unmarried motherA little known townAn out of the way stableDon't those things teach us anything?God likes surprises!

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

The landscape of loss looms starklydraining colour from everything aroundLeaching the very soilMirrored in sea and skyIt brings a wearinessthat is hard to shake offbut burrows inlike a parasitesapping energyfeeding on melancholychoking lifeout of the brief intervalsof forgetfulnessor distractionIt gathers like a mistweaving its tendrilsin and arounda city streetBuilding, buildinguntil obscurity reignsFor a timeFor a long timevision is restrictedto a very narrow horizonBut, eventually, the view is expandedand, as other shapes hove into viewthe landscape begins to take on colourslowly, gradually,slightly out of focus.And a creeping warmthdispels the chill of losslike the sun shining softly on the ocean.The penetration is not completebut it does make a differenceon the surfaceloosening the gripand softening the blowuntil pain recedesenough to imagineseeing in colour again.

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Looking backinto the distanceglimpsing in the wakethe detritus of the ocean.Imagining in the turmoilthe depths only hinted atin the churning froth.Every journeyis filled with discovery - treasure yet to be uncovered.lying in waitfor the one who takes the timeto dredge beneath the surface.to sift the visibleand unearth what is hidden.The wise leave earlyallowing timeto savour the journeyarriving better preparedat their destination.But even those of uswho are by naturelast minute voyeursare still afforded brief insightsthat linger long afterjourneys end.

Sunday, 1 December 2013

The deeper the darknessthe brighter the light shines.For love refuses to be extinguishedby despair.Resilience and hopecannot be quenchedwhile the light of loveburns steadily,fuelled by courage and by compassion.Look for the lightand there you will find love.